WEBVTT 00:00:00.820 --> 00:00:03.600 And turn if you will to Ephesians 6. 00:00:06.600 --> 00:00:11.220 And we're looking at on Sunday night, for Ephesians 6, one more to go. 00:00:11.839 --> 00:00:15.400 How do we withstand the power of Satan? 00:00:15.400 --> 00:00:20.260 And Paul tells us we do that by putting on the armour of God. 00:00:22.760 --> 00:00:25.259 And we've been looking at the pieces of armour. 00:00:27.399 --> 00:00:32.740 We've tried to, my aim has been really to kind of give you a Puritan sermon 00:00:32.740 --> 00:00:38.960 where you look through the lens of the passage and you try to experience all of the gospel. 00:00:39.880 --> 00:00:44.539 In many ways, lots of the things that I'm saying are the same. 00:00:44.539 --> 00:00:49.420 But Paul has deliberately put them provocatively and in picture format. 00:00:50.280 --> 00:00:51.839 And so last time we saw the shield of faith. 00:00:54.340 --> 00:00:58.640 The time before that, we saw the shoes fitted with the readiness of the gospel. 00:01:00.019 --> 00:01:04.859 The time before that, we saw the breastplate of righteousness. 00:01:05.960 --> 00:01:07.299 And we've seen the belt of truth. 00:01:08.259 --> 00:01:11.140 As we come to that very important part of the body, the head. 00:01:11.140 --> 00:01:17.700 Two and a half months ago, I was in a late meeting in Broadway. 00:01:18.599 --> 00:01:20.319 I decided that I was cycling home. 00:01:20.939 --> 00:01:23.560 I was a little bit hungry, so I popped into McDonald's. 00:01:24.379 --> 00:01:26.280 Got a double cheeseburger. 00:01:27.400 --> 00:01:28.299 Large fries. 00:01:29.219 --> 00:01:30.060 Chocolate and a milkshake. 00:01:30.740 --> 00:01:31.780 No hot apple pie. 00:01:31.780 --> 00:01:34.739 And then cycled up the road. 00:01:34.820 --> 00:01:35.460 You know the road. 00:01:35.579 --> 00:01:38.920 It's going up to Springbridge Road Carpath by McDonald's. 00:01:39.280 --> 00:01:40.980 I got a quarter of the way off. 00:01:41.159 --> 00:01:42.079 And I don't really know what happened. 00:01:42.299 --> 00:01:49.260 The next thing is I woke up on the side of the road with my helmet in two beside me. 00:01:49.819 --> 00:01:51.359 And so I got knocked off my bike. 00:01:52.500 --> 00:01:54.060 I think my head had hit the curb. 00:01:54.379 --> 00:01:55.340 The helmet was split in two. 00:01:56.340 --> 00:01:57.400 The police were there. 00:01:58.219 --> 00:02:01.939 The woman who had knocked me off, who was absolutely terrified, was there and greatly relieved. 00:02:02.700 --> 00:02:05.820 And at about half twelve, I was staying at the Ealing Hospital for concussion. 00:02:06.740 --> 00:02:07.540 I was right at three. 00:02:07.880 --> 00:02:09.580 Got into bed and I was half one. 00:02:10.000 --> 00:02:11.840 Claire said, where have you been? 00:02:13.159 --> 00:02:14.740 And I've been right at three ever since. 00:02:14.740 --> 00:02:22.040 But if I hadn't been wearing the helmet, well we don't know do we, but I would have cracked my head open for certain. 00:02:22.360 --> 00:02:23.219 And done great damage. 00:02:23.300 --> 00:02:25.820 It was like two segments of an orange. 00:02:26.400 --> 00:02:28.860 And I should have kept it for tonight's sermon. 00:02:29.140 --> 00:02:33.140 Because if you don't wear your helmet when you're cycling, you're in big danger on you. 00:02:33.480 --> 00:02:35.120 You have a big crash without wearing your helmet. 00:02:37.360 --> 00:02:38.379 Your life is in danger. 00:02:39.060 --> 00:02:40.760 That'll be a lesson to you. 00:02:40.759 --> 00:02:47.879 But here, Paul says to me at the start of Job 6 verse 17, take the helmet of salvation. 00:02:49.679 --> 00:02:50.699 I have three thoughts tonight. 00:02:50.840 --> 00:02:51.639 The helmet of hope. 00:02:52.199 --> 00:02:54.659 Secondly, the helmet of the hope of complete salvation. 00:02:55.759 --> 00:02:58.639 And third, the ground and fruit of that hope. 00:02:59.899 --> 00:03:01.060 The hope of salvation. 00:03:02.180 --> 00:03:03.639 The hope of complete salvation. 00:03:03.799 --> 00:03:05.120 The ground and the fruit of that hope. 00:03:05.120 --> 00:03:12.219 I don't need to, I think, try and persuade you the importance of the piece of armour that Paul presents us with. 00:03:13.259 --> 00:03:19.860 Everyone understands that they, that a soldier in the thick of battle without his helmet is open for disaster. 00:03:20.020 --> 00:03:26.920 No matter how well the rest of your body is protected, if the head is uncovered, well your chances of survival are very slim. 00:03:27.939 --> 00:03:29.939 And therefore a soldier must wear his helmet. 00:03:29.939 --> 00:03:34.259 And Paul has been speaking as in need of the soldier's outfit. 00:03:35.079 --> 00:03:39.500 And he's using that to spiritualise how we are to live. 00:03:40.759 --> 00:03:44.979 So the kind of helmet that he was thinking about is what we spoke about with the children. 00:03:45.259 --> 00:03:47.819 A leather one with plates of metal to make it stronger. 00:03:49.599 --> 00:03:52.079 And it's that helmet he's got in his mind. 00:03:53.079 --> 00:03:54.500 A helmet which protects. 00:03:55.079 --> 00:03:57.039 And that must be worn by a Christian soldier. 00:03:57.039 --> 00:03:59.060 There are such soldiers today in combat, don't they? 00:03:59.560 --> 00:04:00.959 And they still wear helmets. 00:04:02.359 --> 00:04:06.280 And so why does Paul call this helmet the helmet of salvation? 00:04:06.399 --> 00:04:08.319 What does he mean by that word? 00:04:09.879 --> 00:04:10.899 Well commentators differ. 00:04:11.120 --> 00:04:15.620 Older commentators will say it means you can have assurance in your mind. 00:04:16.060 --> 00:04:20.259 It's protecting your brains so that you can have assurance in your mind that you are saved. 00:04:20.860 --> 00:04:24.620 And that gives you strength in the battle to know whom you believe. 00:04:24.740 --> 00:04:25.839 And there may be some merit to that. 00:04:26.279 --> 00:04:26.899 Maybe possible. 00:04:28.040 --> 00:04:34.540 But I think more recent commentators have rightly argued that we get the meaning of the phrase by comparing scripture with scripture. 00:04:35.680 --> 00:04:40.080 And so we find that Paul uses the same expression elsewhere. 00:04:40.240 --> 00:04:42.240 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 and verse 8. 00:04:43.280 --> 00:04:51.379 Paul says to the Thessalonians, that church in Thessalonica, they're really discouraged because Jesus had not yet returned. 00:04:52.379 --> 00:04:53.220 As they'd hoped. 00:04:54.200 --> 00:04:55.780 That's a great thing to be discouraged about, isn't it? 00:04:55.779 --> 00:04:58.519 But listen to what it says. 00:05:00.019 --> 00:05:08.479 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. 00:05:08.480 --> 00:05:12.120 The hope of salvation. 00:05:12.180 --> 00:05:13.960 That is what I think Paul is getting at here. 00:05:15.379 --> 00:05:20.020 A soldier who is going out in need of his brain protected, he needs to go out with hope. 00:05:21.020 --> 00:05:22.920 The hope of salvation. 00:05:23.080 --> 00:05:24.180 The hope of deliverance. 00:05:24.280 --> 00:05:25.120 The hope of victory. 00:05:25.120 --> 00:05:28.800 Or else he won't be able to put one foot in front of the other. 00:05:28.800 --> 00:05:34.019 So we've seen with the other different pieces of armour that Paul is dealing with. 00:05:35.560 --> 00:05:38.480 The weakness we have by nature. 00:05:38.480 --> 00:05:49.319 And here we can say that here the helmet of salvation is designed to counteract the tendency in God's people, I think, to be discouraged. 00:05:49.319 --> 00:05:58.480 To get into thinking patterns that lead ultimately, if they're not checked, to kind of spiritual depression. 00:06:00.740 --> 00:06:05.079 And so if you are a child of God, if you are a Christian, you'll know what I mean. 00:06:05.079 --> 00:06:11.180 You'll know that it's very easy, isn't it, to become discouraged in the Christian life. 00:06:12.579 --> 00:06:15.300 And particularly discouragement that comes from your mind. 00:06:15.459 --> 00:06:17.279 It goes something a bit like this. 00:06:18.639 --> 00:06:19.439 And look who you are. 00:06:20.899 --> 00:06:24.500 You've been a Christian for 10 years, 20 years, 30 years. 00:06:25.539 --> 00:06:27.740 And look how little progress you've made. 00:06:28.139 --> 00:06:29.120 Have you made any progress? 00:06:30.240 --> 00:06:33.360 And the mind begins to talk to the Christian in this way. 00:06:33.360 --> 00:06:36.900 Look how sad a condition this is. 00:06:37.139 --> 00:06:37.900 How serious this is. 00:06:38.180 --> 00:06:38.860 Serious this is. 00:06:38.939 --> 00:06:41.400 You've sinned, don't you, so easily still. 00:06:41.500 --> 00:06:42.319 What's the use? 00:06:43.500 --> 00:06:46.259 What's the point in seeking after God? 00:06:46.540 --> 00:06:47.680 You've been in this battle. 00:06:47.819 --> 00:06:51.620 You've been in this holy war, as Bunyan puts it, for a long time. 00:06:51.920 --> 00:06:54.120 And you've made very little headway. 00:06:55.080 --> 00:06:57.780 And besides, you've stumbled again and again. 00:06:58.600 --> 00:06:59.740 And you've stumbled in your mind. 00:06:59.800 --> 00:07:00.860 There's no use in trying. 00:07:00.860 --> 00:07:04.000 And so Satan plants those thoughts. 00:07:04.300 --> 00:07:06.259 Thoughts which are prone to get us down. 00:07:07.120 --> 00:07:09.100 And his goal is to persuade you and I. 00:07:09.199 --> 00:07:11.860 There is no, really no sense in persevering. 00:07:12.819 --> 00:07:14.460 In searching for God. 00:07:14.600 --> 00:07:15.939 In following Him. 00:07:16.000 --> 00:07:16.720 In pursuing Him. 00:07:16.819 --> 00:07:19.840 In using the means of grace that God has given. 00:07:20.960 --> 00:07:23.000 And Satan says to you, well you're not going to make it anyway. 00:07:23.560 --> 00:07:25.600 You, you are a child of God. 00:07:25.600 --> 00:07:27.600 Why should anyone pay attention to you? 00:07:28.439 --> 00:07:29.300 You're not worth it. 00:07:30.980 --> 00:07:31.640 You're useless. 00:07:31.840 --> 00:07:32.500 You're a sinner. 00:07:32.620 --> 00:07:34.700 You've got a bad record and a bad heart. 00:07:36.060 --> 00:07:36.640 So use. 00:07:37.980 --> 00:07:39.600 All your attempts to live a holy life. 00:07:39.700 --> 00:07:40.500 They're vain and hopeless. 00:07:41.740 --> 00:07:43.000 You're still so unbelieving. 00:07:43.160 --> 00:07:44.360 You still don't trust God. 00:07:44.480 --> 00:07:46.520 So the devil says you get into trouble. 00:07:46.519 --> 00:07:49.279 And the first thing you do is try to solve the problem yourself. 00:07:52.479 --> 00:07:54.279 You're wallowing in that unbelief. 00:07:55.279 --> 00:07:57.019 And unbelief is like a mother's sin. 00:07:57.219 --> 00:07:58.680 Which gives birth to others. 00:08:00.099 --> 00:08:02.279 You've got too much guilt on your conscience to be encouraged. 00:08:02.379 --> 00:08:03.339 Too many bad habits. 00:08:03.459 --> 00:08:04.099 Too many weaknesses. 00:08:04.639 --> 00:08:06.079 Too many vows have been broken. 00:08:06.079 --> 00:08:11.539 And besides all this, what do you really know of Jesus Christ? 00:08:13.180 --> 00:08:14.339 You know so little about him. 00:08:14.639 --> 00:08:16.659 He seems to be hidden for you. 00:08:17.899 --> 00:08:21.019 And when you come to church, other people, they seem to get so much out of it. 00:08:21.079 --> 00:08:22.180 They seem to respond. 00:08:22.779 --> 00:08:23.219 But you don't. 00:08:23.319 --> 00:08:24.259 There's no hope for you. 00:08:24.899 --> 00:08:26.039 No hope in God. 00:08:27.599 --> 00:08:29.500 And you may as well just give in. 00:08:30.579 --> 00:08:32.079 To the temptations of sin. 00:08:32.480 --> 00:08:32.919 After all. 00:08:34.240 --> 00:08:35.319 There's no hope for you. 00:08:35.320 --> 00:08:38.060 That God would ever work in such a person as you are. 00:08:39.420 --> 00:08:40.520 And so look at your life. 00:08:41.640 --> 00:08:42.560 And look at your family. 00:08:42.740 --> 00:08:43.940 Look at the church. 00:08:45.180 --> 00:08:46.720 Look at the headlines on the paper. 00:08:47.560 --> 00:08:49.540 And you've got every reason to be discouraged. 00:08:51.760 --> 00:08:53.820 And you know there's some people that you love. 00:08:53.879 --> 00:08:55.000 And you've shared the gospel with. 00:08:55.040 --> 00:08:55.940 And they've not believed. 00:08:56.060 --> 00:08:57.860 And they've maybe left the church. 00:08:59.140 --> 00:09:01.380 And for some of you, parents of children have gone away. 00:09:01.440 --> 00:09:02.700 The devil comes to you, doesn't he? 00:09:02.700 --> 00:09:04.720 And the devil says, what kind of parent were you? 00:09:06.040 --> 00:09:08.600 And on and on and on it goes. 00:09:09.760 --> 00:09:15.320 And Satan uses certainly one form of reasoning after another to discourage us. 00:09:16.320 --> 00:09:17.960 In fighting this Christian warfare. 00:09:18.060 --> 00:09:19.879 He wants to discourage us in the Christian battle. 00:09:19.879 --> 00:09:24.019 And putting on our helmet of salvation. 00:09:26.720 --> 00:09:29.899 He wants to discourage us from thinking God glorifying thoughts. 00:09:30.539 --> 00:09:31.939 And going out in the battle of the Lord. 00:09:33.679 --> 00:09:34.799 And we're not on our own. 00:09:34.799 --> 00:09:37.219 Asaph says. 00:09:37.959 --> 00:09:38.679 In that psalm. 00:09:38.740 --> 00:09:39.299 Psalm 73. 00:09:39.559 --> 00:09:41.799 In vain have I kept my heart clean. 00:09:42.579 --> 00:09:43.099 In vain. 00:09:43.179 --> 00:09:45.579 It's been a waste of time washing my hands in innocence. 00:09:47.000 --> 00:09:48.759 The wicked don't have the troubles. 00:09:48.879 --> 00:09:49.679 Or the godly do. 00:09:51.079 --> 00:09:52.359 Everything seems against me. 00:09:52.439 --> 00:09:53.979 Truly I washed my hands in vain. 00:09:54.039 --> 00:09:55.179 I can't do anything right. 00:09:55.699 --> 00:09:56.740 Asaph was tempted. 00:09:56.740 --> 00:09:57.659 As we are. 00:09:57.899 --> 00:09:59.339 Sometimes to drop out altogether. 00:09:59.340 --> 00:10:04.320 To get out of the Christian life altogether. 00:10:05.879 --> 00:10:06.980 To be a deserter. 00:10:08.560 --> 00:10:08.920 I don't know. 00:10:08.940 --> 00:10:09.519 They still call it. 00:10:09.560 --> 00:10:10.980 They used to call it AWOL didn't they? 00:10:11.100 --> 00:10:12.160 Absent without leave. 00:10:13.540 --> 00:10:14.720 Satan says go AWOL. 00:10:14.720 --> 00:10:17.759 Be absent. 00:10:18.259 --> 00:10:19.519 From when the people of God meet. 00:10:20.139 --> 00:10:21.779 Be absent from the presence of God. 00:10:21.879 --> 00:10:22.920 Go absent without leave. 00:10:24.800 --> 00:10:26.259 Satan is pretty powerful isn't he? 00:10:26.379 --> 00:10:28.320 His discouragements are pretty intense. 00:10:31.019 --> 00:10:32.480 Some of us have to battle. 00:10:33.460 --> 00:10:35.279 Those discouragements more than others. 00:10:37.200 --> 00:10:38.160 Our temperaments. 00:10:40.100 --> 00:10:41.320 Certainly play a role. 00:10:41.420 --> 00:10:42.139 I'm sure they do. 00:10:42.139 --> 00:10:45.419 I think our calling plays a role. 00:10:47.240 --> 00:10:48.519 Our elders have discouragements. 00:10:48.740 --> 00:10:49.720 That other people don't. 00:10:50.980 --> 00:10:52.240 Deacons have discouragements. 00:10:53.399 --> 00:10:54.840 That other people in the church don't. 00:10:57.080 --> 00:10:57.939 Preachers I think too. 00:10:59.059 --> 00:10:59.919 The devil comes to me. 00:11:00.019 --> 00:11:01.019 Pretty much every Monday morning. 00:11:01.120 --> 00:11:02.159 And he says words. 00:11:02.360 --> 00:11:02.679 Words. 00:11:02.879 --> 00:11:03.100 Words. 00:11:04.379 --> 00:11:05.340 So many words. 00:11:05.679 --> 00:11:06.259 What's the point? 00:11:08.120 --> 00:11:08.899 The devil comes and says. 00:11:08.960 --> 00:11:09.360 What's the use? 00:11:09.399 --> 00:11:10.360 You've been preaching 16 years. 00:11:10.360 --> 00:11:12.860 How long has it been since somebody was converted? 00:11:15.300 --> 00:11:16.259 You put so much work in. 00:11:16.300 --> 00:11:16.899 So little reward. 00:11:16.960 --> 00:11:17.759 Why try so hard? 00:11:17.779 --> 00:11:18.440 It's not worth it. 00:11:18.879 --> 00:11:19.899 Doesn't God say that to you? 00:11:20.720 --> 00:11:22.039 Doesn't the devil say that to you? 00:11:26.840 --> 00:11:27.980 And you feel in your own life. 00:11:28.039 --> 00:11:28.220 Don't you? 00:11:28.240 --> 00:11:28.919 As I talk about this. 00:11:28.980 --> 00:11:30.600 You feel areas of discouragement. 00:11:30.740 --> 00:11:32.000 And he tries to get your brain. 00:11:32.080 --> 00:11:32.960 He wants your mind. 00:11:32.960 --> 00:11:35.400 He knows that if you can get your mind under control. 00:11:35.500 --> 00:11:36.920 You can get your whole body under control. 00:11:38.879 --> 00:11:40.300 And what you do and what you say. 00:11:40.420 --> 00:11:41.800 Is a reflection of what you think. 00:11:41.879 --> 00:11:42.400 Isn't that true? 00:11:44.920 --> 00:11:47.000 Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones was first a doctor. 00:11:47.120 --> 00:11:48.259 He then became a minister. 00:11:48.440 --> 00:11:49.100 And he often said. 00:11:49.180 --> 00:11:51.240 The heart of Christianity lies in the mind. 00:11:51.240 --> 00:11:54.360 If you listen to any of his tips. 00:11:54.440 --> 00:11:56.980 A mindless Christianity is a spineless Christianity. 00:11:57.240 --> 00:11:58.139 That's what you would say. 00:11:58.840 --> 00:12:01.379 A mindless Christianity is a spineless Christianity. 00:12:02.860 --> 00:12:04.680 A Christian who won't put on a helmet. 00:12:05.899 --> 00:12:08.680 Is a Christian who won't walk worthy. 00:12:10.460 --> 00:12:13.220 Well I think that's the problem I think Paul's trying to address with this little phrase. 00:12:13.220 --> 00:12:16.220 And the answer to the problem of discouragement. 00:12:16.379 --> 00:12:17.940 Is the putting on of the hope of salvation. 00:12:19.180 --> 00:12:19.960 The helmet of hope. 00:12:20.060 --> 00:12:21.200 The hope of glory. 00:12:21.399 --> 00:12:22.220 The hope of a future. 00:12:22.440 --> 00:12:23.820 Everyone has hope of course. 00:12:26.100 --> 00:12:27.420 We know don't we. 00:12:27.519 --> 00:12:30.899 The terrible consequences of when people don't have hope. 00:12:32.379 --> 00:12:34.420 That when people don't have any hope at all. 00:12:34.460 --> 00:12:35.240 They take their lives. 00:12:37.340 --> 00:12:39.379 But there's a great deal of what. 00:12:39.379 --> 00:12:41.560 A culture that we live in calls hope. 00:12:41.559 --> 00:12:43.699 That's focused on temporary things. 00:12:44.839 --> 00:12:47.339 But the Christian's hope is based on eternal things. 00:12:47.519 --> 00:12:48.199 Enduring things. 00:12:49.819 --> 00:12:51.079 What's Paul thinking of here? 00:12:51.539 --> 00:12:53.819 It is this hope of a future salvation. 00:12:54.019 --> 00:12:57.139 It's the hope of glory that he calls in Romans 8. 00:12:58.739 --> 00:12:59.699 And so when Satan comes. 00:12:59.779 --> 00:13:01.239 Satan comes and he tempts us. 00:13:01.559 --> 00:13:03.339 About our present circumstances. 00:13:05.019 --> 00:13:08.919 He tempts us about the disappointing things around us. 00:13:08.919 --> 00:13:12.979 And even more so the disappointing things that are within us. 00:13:14.879 --> 00:13:17.659 And he tries to take those disappointing things. 00:13:17.779 --> 00:13:19.399 And project them into our future. 00:13:21.019 --> 00:13:22.159 Future without God. 00:13:23.459 --> 00:13:26.479 So that we see ourselves growing more and more. 00:13:26.699 --> 00:13:28.039 Into this pit of discouragement. 00:13:28.319 --> 00:13:28.479 Now. 00:13:29.299 --> 00:13:31.579 Of course that's the way our natural hearts are inclined. 00:13:31.699 --> 00:13:31.919 Don't they? 00:13:31.919 --> 00:13:34.579 Do you remember? 00:13:35.039 --> 00:13:35.399 Children. 00:13:36.679 --> 00:13:39.279 Twelve spies were sent to start spying Canaan. 00:13:40.000 --> 00:13:40.759 Ten were. 00:13:42.959 --> 00:13:43.799 Two were. 00:13:44.679 --> 00:13:45.099 Good. 00:13:45.779 --> 00:13:47.639 What did they see to spy in Canaan? 00:13:48.479 --> 00:13:49.039 Ten were. 00:13:49.899 --> 00:13:50.459 Two were. 00:13:52.079 --> 00:13:53.079 Some soldiers are giants. 00:13:53.199 --> 00:13:54.019 Tough and tall. 00:13:54.360 --> 00:13:55.559 You know the story. 00:13:55.740 --> 00:13:55.860 Alright. 00:13:55.860 --> 00:13:56.179 Okay. 00:13:57.179 --> 00:13:57.939 Do you remember? 00:13:58.439 --> 00:13:59.599 They saw the Amalekites. 00:13:59.600 --> 00:14:01.440 And they said. 00:14:01.480 --> 00:14:02.320 These people are giants. 00:14:02.399 --> 00:14:03.200 They are massive. 00:14:04.759 --> 00:14:05.440 And do you know what? 00:14:05.460 --> 00:14:06.920 We're like little tiny. 00:14:09.040 --> 00:14:09.399 Grasshoppers. 00:14:10.519 --> 00:14:11.399 And they were discouraged. 00:14:11.519 --> 00:14:12.100 There were two spies. 00:14:12.200 --> 00:14:12.460 The one there. 00:14:12.480 --> 00:14:13.300 Joshua and Caleb. 00:14:14.480 --> 00:14:16.159 And they had their helmet of salvation on. 00:14:18.159 --> 00:14:19.200 And they were thinking right. 00:14:19.700 --> 00:14:20.340 And they said. 00:14:20.379 --> 00:14:20.700 Do you know what? 00:14:20.720 --> 00:14:21.800 They are absolutely massive. 00:14:21.960 --> 00:14:22.980 They are mighty people. 00:14:23.259 --> 00:14:24.460 And they are strong cities. 00:14:24.460 --> 00:14:26.220 And the defences are great. 00:14:26.360 --> 00:14:27.639 And it will be a tough battle. 00:14:27.639 --> 00:14:30.240 But our God has promised victory. 00:14:30.720 --> 00:14:31.960 And they say. 00:14:32.039 --> 00:14:33.360 They are going to be like bread to us. 00:14:33.480 --> 00:14:33.939 Great saying. 00:14:34.639 --> 00:14:35.299 Our victory is sure. 00:14:36.860 --> 00:14:38.059 Because the word of God is sure. 00:14:38.139 --> 00:14:38.679 And God is sure. 00:14:40.000 --> 00:14:40.379 And you see. 00:14:40.439 --> 00:14:41.220 That is right thinking. 00:14:41.759 --> 00:14:43.080 That is the helmet of salvation. 00:14:43.620 --> 00:14:44.600 We have hope for the future. 00:14:44.659 --> 00:14:45.980 Because our God lives. 00:14:46.139 --> 00:14:47.460 And our God is almighty. 00:14:47.960 --> 00:14:50.899 And our God will never forsake the work of his own hands. 00:14:51.179 --> 00:14:53.000 And so you put on the helmet of hope. 00:14:53.000 --> 00:14:55.820 And Paul says. 00:14:55.899 --> 00:14:57.139 You want to be a Christian soldier. 00:14:57.320 --> 00:14:58.539 You grab your helmet. 00:15:01.600 --> 00:15:03.259 And you put on the helmet of hope for the future. 00:15:03.340 --> 00:15:04.299 There is no hope in you. 00:15:04.620 --> 00:15:05.320 Absolutely none. 00:15:06.639 --> 00:15:07.440 There never has been. 00:15:07.639 --> 00:15:08.820 But there is hope in him. 00:15:11.860 --> 00:15:12.440 And so. 00:15:12.700 --> 00:15:13.779 You shall call his name Jesus. 00:15:13.960 --> 00:15:14.559 For he will. 00:15:15.559 --> 00:15:17.019 Save his people from their sins. 00:15:17.419 --> 00:15:18.480 He is salvation. 00:15:19.879 --> 00:15:20.740 He is your hope. 00:15:20.820 --> 00:15:21.379 You are all in all. 00:15:21.379 --> 00:15:21.860 Your future. 00:15:21.980 --> 00:15:22.899 So you trust in him. 00:15:22.960 --> 00:15:24.200 You put on the helmet of hope. 00:15:24.480 --> 00:15:25.500 And you take it. 00:15:25.659 --> 00:15:27.019 And you don't let it slip from your side. 00:15:27.179 --> 00:15:27.779 You keep it on. 00:15:29.840 --> 00:15:31.539 But I think what I found really helpful. 00:15:31.639 --> 00:15:33.259 In studying just these verses. 00:15:33.399 --> 00:15:34.439 Over the last few weeks. 00:15:34.439 --> 00:15:36.720 Is that Paul is acknowledging. 00:15:36.960 --> 00:15:37.860 Throughout this passage. 00:15:37.980 --> 00:15:39.939 That the Christian life is not easy. 00:15:41.960 --> 00:15:44.159 And the Christian life is a battle. 00:15:44.379 --> 00:15:46.120 And it's always been a battle. 00:15:47.220 --> 00:15:49.580 And God never promises you an easy life. 00:15:49.580 --> 00:15:52.620 And every believer is engaged with this battle. 00:15:53.540 --> 00:15:56.340 And besides that we know Jesus didn't paint a rosy picture. 00:15:56.440 --> 00:15:58.420 He said there will be trials and tribulations. 00:15:58.639 --> 00:15:59.900 And temptations and battles. 00:16:00.360 --> 00:16:01.980 And that's what my followers should expect. 00:16:02.720 --> 00:16:04.080 But Jesus also said something else. 00:16:04.180 --> 00:16:04.440 Didn't he? 00:16:04.480 --> 00:16:05.259 He said be of good cheer. 00:16:05.800 --> 00:16:06.620 He said cheer up. 00:16:08.500 --> 00:16:10.120 Don't get spiritually discouraged. 00:16:10.259 --> 00:16:11.660 Because I have overcome the world. 00:16:11.659 --> 00:16:14.199 And in your own strength. 00:16:14.299 --> 00:16:15.179 You cannot overcome. 00:16:15.519 --> 00:16:16.819 You've tried it a thousand times. 00:16:16.919 --> 00:16:17.179 Hasn't you? 00:16:18.500 --> 00:16:20.199 And yet you've fallen for it a thousand times. 00:16:21.259 --> 00:16:23.039 But when you go to him for strength. 00:16:23.139 --> 00:16:24.679 When you put on the helmet of salvation. 00:16:24.779 --> 00:16:26.659 And you hope in the Lord of glory. 00:16:26.779 --> 00:16:27.759 You find a strength. 00:16:28.279 --> 00:16:29.240 And an optimism. 00:16:29.419 --> 00:16:30.659 And you find a good cheer. 00:16:31.659 --> 00:16:33.439 That fills your mind with strength. 00:16:33.439 --> 00:16:34.379 To go forward. 00:16:34.379 --> 00:16:38.279 No the Holy Spirit. 00:16:39.519 --> 00:16:42.759 He is the one who indwells us. 00:16:44.939 --> 00:16:47.320 He is the one who monitors our thinking. 00:16:48.840 --> 00:16:50.659 He is the one who encourages us. 00:16:50.679 --> 00:16:51.700 When we are discouraged. 00:16:51.860 --> 00:16:53.340 There's something so beautiful about this. 00:16:53.399 --> 00:16:54.460 Let me try and explain it to you. 00:16:55.799 --> 00:16:57.439 And so in our experience. 00:16:57.439 --> 00:16:59.679 What the Holy Spirit does. 00:16:59.799 --> 00:17:01.740 Is he takes the things of the Lord Jesus. 00:17:02.019 --> 00:17:03.759 And he reveals them to us. 00:17:05.160 --> 00:17:06.120 So just about. 00:17:06.580 --> 00:17:07.940 When we think I can't go on. 00:17:08.020 --> 00:17:09.140 I can't take another step. 00:17:09.240 --> 00:17:11.720 The Holy Spirit uses one means or another. 00:17:11.840 --> 00:17:13.340 To lift us up and to encourage us. 00:17:14.480 --> 00:17:15.600 Maybe it's a verse from the Bible. 00:17:15.700 --> 00:17:17.160 Maybe it's a hymn that you learnt. 00:17:17.460 --> 00:17:19.360 Maybe it's a phrase from a sermon. 00:17:19.540 --> 00:17:22.260 Maybe it's a conversation with another Christian. 00:17:22.400 --> 00:17:24.580 Maybe it's you remember you took the Lord's Supper. 00:17:26.200 --> 00:17:28.940 And the Holy Spirit gets us back on our track. 00:17:29.160 --> 00:17:29.840 In our thinking. 00:17:30.000 --> 00:17:31.660 By showing us something of Jesus. 00:17:34.380 --> 00:17:35.980 And usually what the Holy Spirit does. 00:17:36.080 --> 00:17:37.100 Is he shows us. 00:17:37.520 --> 00:17:39.620 The very thing of Jesus. 00:17:39.780 --> 00:17:41.260 That's most suitable. 00:17:41.600 --> 00:17:43.020 As an answer for our discouragement. 00:17:45.720 --> 00:17:47.320 Let me try and give you an example. 00:17:47.500 --> 00:17:49.580 I'm really down because my prayer life is horrendous. 00:17:49.640 --> 00:17:50.380 You know that feeling. 00:17:51.680 --> 00:17:53.720 You wouldn't dare let anyone else know. 00:17:53.800 --> 00:17:54.500 How bad it is. 00:17:54.500 --> 00:17:57.780 How tired the Lord must be of your prayers. 00:17:57.779 --> 00:18:00.920 And you might even say. 00:18:01.019 --> 00:18:02.519 It's better that I don't even try. 00:18:02.639 --> 00:18:03.259 I don't even start. 00:18:05.500 --> 00:18:07.960 But the Holy Spirit directs you to a verse in the Bible. 00:18:08.379 --> 00:18:10.519 Maybe in Romans 8 or Hebrews chapter 7. 00:18:11.779 --> 00:18:15.039 About how Jesus ever lives to make intercession for you. 00:18:15.039 --> 00:18:17.500 And suddenly you've got clear thinking again. 00:18:18.660 --> 00:18:20.960 That you realise I'm going down the wrong path. 00:18:21.079 --> 00:18:23.099 I'm looking at my prayer life. 00:18:23.619 --> 00:18:25.660 Instead of his prayer life. 00:18:25.660 --> 00:18:29.580 And what his prayers mean for me. 00:18:31.880 --> 00:18:33.680 And you put on the helmet of salvation. 00:18:33.840 --> 00:18:36.060 And you think that he ever lives to make intercession. 00:18:38.620 --> 00:18:40.120 And you say to yourself hope in God. 00:18:42.200 --> 00:18:45.580 Ed Edmund Clowney was a professor at Westminster Theological Seminary. 00:18:46.480 --> 00:18:47.860 His son Paul Clowney. 00:18:48.000 --> 00:18:48.900 Lots of you know him. 00:18:48.940 --> 00:18:49.800 He was an elder here. 00:18:50.720 --> 00:18:52.279 Ed Clowney had a daughter called Debbie. 00:18:53.440 --> 00:18:54.840 She went away from the Lord. 00:18:54.839 --> 00:18:56.599 She rejected the gospel. 00:18:57.299 --> 00:18:59.159 And she broke Ed Clowney and his wife's heart. 00:19:00.240 --> 00:19:01.779 And Ed Clowney is working in the library. 00:19:02.279 --> 00:19:04.319 In Westminster Theological Seminary. 00:19:05.039 --> 00:19:07.599 And Professor John Murray comes up to Ed Clowney. 00:19:08.139 --> 00:19:09.500 And says how are you Ed? 00:19:10.519 --> 00:19:12.379 And Ed pours out his heart about Debbie. 00:19:12.759 --> 00:19:14.199 Breaks his heart in front of John Murray. 00:19:15.579 --> 00:19:17.039 And John Murray prays. 00:19:17.579 --> 00:19:19.000 For Ed Clowney and the family. 00:19:20.039 --> 00:19:21.000 And Ed Clowney says. 00:19:21.000 --> 00:19:23.779 That prayer got me through the next six months. 00:19:23.779 --> 00:19:26.000 And he said then I remembered. 00:19:27.180 --> 00:19:28.660 That I have another elder brother. 00:19:29.599 --> 00:19:30.519 Who prays for me. 00:19:31.779 --> 00:19:32.559 And they're going through. 00:19:34.139 --> 00:19:36.240 And we can be so discouraged can't we with our prayer lives. 00:19:36.359 --> 00:19:37.799 But we don't look at our prayer lives. 00:19:37.839 --> 00:19:38.700 We look at his prayer life. 00:19:38.799 --> 00:19:42.660 We remember there is an elder brother in heaven who intercedes for you today. 00:19:42.660 --> 00:19:45.620 And you say to yourself hope in God. 00:19:45.880 --> 00:19:46.820 For I shall yet praise him. 00:19:47.960 --> 00:19:50.840 And the intercession of Jesus picks you up and carries you forward. 00:19:50.920 --> 00:19:53.000 And you go out with the helmet of salvation on your head. 00:19:53.279 --> 00:19:54.740 And you engage in the fight again. 00:19:56.940 --> 00:20:01.279 You can do that with every aspect of Jesus' ministry to us. 00:20:01.279 --> 00:20:06.139 I was going to talk about his humiliation and his exaltation my end up time. 00:20:07.359 --> 00:20:10.339 And the Holy Spirit encourages us with who Jesus is. 00:20:10.500 --> 00:20:11.339 And what he's done. 00:20:12.680 --> 00:20:15.139 That he is our prophet and our priest and our king. 00:20:15.740 --> 00:20:18.119 And all we need is in him in those three things. 00:20:18.119 --> 00:20:23.139 And the spirit takes the things of Jesus and he reorders the discouraged. 00:20:23.819 --> 00:20:25.399 So that we get encouraged in the Lord. 00:20:26.939 --> 00:20:29.579 Think of David in the cave of Adulam. 00:20:32.099 --> 00:20:34.659 Dimitri used to call the cave of Adulam Adulam. 00:20:35.039 --> 00:20:35.619 It's great isn't it? 00:20:35.759 --> 00:20:36.779 The cave of Adulam. 00:20:37.779 --> 00:20:38.579 David is there. 00:20:38.659 --> 00:20:39.959 He's in the cave of Adulam. 00:20:40.059 --> 00:20:41.339 And he's sad and discouraged. 00:20:41.599 --> 00:20:42.359 There's no future. 00:20:42.899 --> 00:20:45.819 He's in the dark with a bunch of misfits and oddballs. 00:20:45.819 --> 00:20:47.659 The outcasts. 00:20:47.740 --> 00:20:48.579 The rejects. 00:20:48.659 --> 00:20:50.539 They gather with him in the cave. 00:20:50.659 --> 00:20:52.240 And what future does David have? 00:20:52.539 --> 00:20:53.480 And the Bible says. 00:20:54.460 --> 00:20:56.259 1 Samuel 30 verse 6. 00:20:56.439 --> 00:20:59.039 David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. 00:21:00.039 --> 00:21:01.559 He put on the helmet of salvation. 00:21:03.039 --> 00:21:04.480 And he started thinking of his God. 00:21:04.559 --> 00:21:05.799 And how faithful his God was. 00:21:05.819 --> 00:21:06.679 And that gave him courage. 00:21:07.259 --> 00:21:09.059 And that is how the Holy Spirit works. 00:21:09.059 --> 00:21:12.579 To encourage ourselves in the Lord our God. 00:21:12.579 --> 00:21:17.079 The helmet of hope secondly. 00:21:18.879 --> 00:21:21.720 Is the hope of a complete salvation. 00:21:23.720 --> 00:21:25.539 The word means deliverance doesn't it? 00:21:25.579 --> 00:21:27.759 It means to be saved from sin. 00:21:27.919 --> 00:21:29.559 To be delivered from the greatest evil. 00:21:29.819 --> 00:21:31.899 And brought to the supreme good. 00:21:32.039 --> 00:21:33.859 Which is to know God. 00:21:34.220 --> 00:21:35.139 To know God. 00:21:35.199 --> 00:21:36.399 Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 00:21:36.400 --> 00:21:40.940 And the helmet of hope that we wear. 00:21:41.540 --> 00:21:44.120 It gives us a sense of past salvation. 00:21:46.000 --> 00:21:47.160 So we look back don't we? 00:21:47.940 --> 00:21:51.320 And we recognise the Holy Spirit has worked in my heart. 00:21:51.540 --> 00:21:54.660 And God has saved me by his grace. 00:21:55.759 --> 00:21:56.860 Praise to his name. 00:21:57.860 --> 00:22:01.660 The death of Christ has accomplished my salvation. 00:22:01.660 --> 00:22:05.360 And it gives me a sense of present salvation. 00:22:05.800 --> 00:22:06.860 That in the kindness of God. 00:22:06.920 --> 00:22:07.980 Even though I'm discouraged. 00:22:08.360 --> 00:22:09.480 Even though I'm down. 00:22:09.759 --> 00:22:11.040 God has not forsaken me. 00:22:11.820 --> 00:22:13.460 And God has not cast me out. 00:22:13.820 --> 00:22:15.240 And I live out of him. 00:22:15.279 --> 00:22:17.000 And I couldn't go one day without him. 00:22:17.180 --> 00:22:18.680 So I know present salvation. 00:22:18.800 --> 00:22:20.800 But what Paul has in mind in Ephesians 6. 00:22:22.120 --> 00:22:24.400 Is what the Bible sometimes called complete salvation. 00:22:24.400 --> 00:22:25.320 Full salvation. 00:22:27.840 --> 00:22:31.460 Because future salvation will be when God's work is complete. 00:22:32.660 --> 00:22:34.540 When you and I trusted in Christ. 00:22:34.620 --> 00:22:36.180 We will enter into the joy of the Lord. 00:22:36.300 --> 00:22:38.100 And we will be delivered from all the enemies. 00:22:38.279 --> 00:22:38.980 Once and for all. 00:22:39.040 --> 00:22:39.580 Forever and ever. 00:22:40.620 --> 00:22:41.779 Future salvation. 00:22:43.680 --> 00:22:44.540 And so what Paul is saying. 00:22:44.580 --> 00:22:45.759 When you put on the helmet of hope. 00:22:45.840 --> 00:22:47.740 You think not only of the past and the present. 00:22:47.920 --> 00:22:49.880 But you also think of the future. 00:22:51.600 --> 00:22:52.340 You think past. 00:22:52.440 --> 00:22:54.779 What has Christ done for me? 00:22:55.080 --> 00:22:56.600 When you think of the present. 00:22:56.740 --> 00:22:58.940 What Christ is for you. 00:22:58.940 --> 00:23:00.240 That right now. 00:23:00.360 --> 00:23:02.000 He is at the right hand of God. 00:23:02.220 --> 00:23:03.400 And when you think of the future. 00:23:03.539 --> 00:23:04.960 You think of him coming again. 00:23:05.259 --> 00:23:06.680 And your hope is in him. 00:23:08.680 --> 00:23:11.000 There's something future orientated about hope. 00:23:12.519 --> 00:23:14.220 But when you say you're hoping for something. 00:23:14.380 --> 00:23:15.580 You're looking to the future. 00:23:15.740 --> 00:23:18.420 You hope something will happen. 00:23:20.420 --> 00:23:23.880 Hoping is something that you don't fully realise. 00:23:23.880 --> 00:23:25.160 But it's hopeful. 00:23:25.260 --> 00:23:25.980 You hope for it. 00:23:28.780 --> 00:23:29.920 Now there's differences there. 00:23:29.980 --> 00:23:31.520 Between the world's hope. 00:23:31.780 --> 00:23:32.740 And the Christian's hope. 00:23:35.160 --> 00:23:36.480 Christian's hope is a sure hope. 00:23:36.680 --> 00:23:37.760 So when the world says. 00:23:37.860 --> 00:23:39.320 I'm hoping they're maybe 20%. 00:23:39.320 --> 00:23:39.860 30% 00:23:39.860 --> 00:23:40.760 40% sure. 00:23:43.660 --> 00:23:45.340 They think it's likely. 00:23:45.540 --> 00:23:45.800 Hopefully. 00:23:47.080 --> 00:23:49.080 But the Christian's hope is 100%. 00:23:49.079 --> 00:23:54.559 I find faith and hope. 00:23:54.919 --> 00:23:56.759 Very difficult to distinguish between. 00:23:58.919 --> 00:23:59.939 They're so much alike. 00:24:02.000 --> 00:24:03.359 One writer says. 00:24:03.500 --> 00:24:04.379 Faith is the mother. 00:24:04.539 --> 00:24:05.539 And hope is the daughter. 00:24:07.720 --> 00:24:08.519 I think. 00:24:08.599 --> 00:24:09.419 And I might be wrong on this. 00:24:09.559 --> 00:24:11.159 Faith is normally past. 00:24:11.159 --> 00:24:12.159 And present. 00:24:12.559 --> 00:24:12.919 Oriented. 00:24:15.919 --> 00:24:17.439 Faith is trust now. 00:24:17.679 --> 00:24:18.720 Hope is for the future. 00:24:18.720 --> 00:24:18.819 Will. 00:24:18.880 --> 00:24:19.519 That might be wrong. 00:24:20.720 --> 00:24:22.339 Hope is more on what God will do. 00:24:23.039 --> 00:24:23.860 Than what he has done. 00:24:23.900 --> 00:24:24.360 And is doing. 00:24:24.440 --> 00:24:25.839 That's the emphasis of hope. 00:24:26.900 --> 00:24:27.480 So Paul says. 00:24:27.539 --> 00:24:28.680 Put on this helmet of hope. 00:24:29.000 --> 00:24:30.500 This helmet of future salvation. 00:24:31.059 --> 00:24:31.420 Glorious. 00:24:31.600 --> 00:24:32.579 Complete salvation. 00:24:32.779 --> 00:24:33.559 Look forward to it. 00:24:33.620 --> 00:24:34.200 Believe in it. 00:24:34.299 --> 00:24:34.799 Trust in it. 00:24:35.000 --> 00:24:36.160 Be like the Thessalonians. 00:24:38.660 --> 00:24:39.839 If you're going to be disappointed. 00:24:39.839 --> 00:24:40.559 In something this week. 00:24:40.620 --> 00:24:41.140 Be disappointed. 00:24:41.259 --> 00:24:42.220 Jesus doesn't come back. 00:24:43.779 --> 00:24:45.279 And long for the day when he comes. 00:24:45.279 --> 00:24:49.399 We are all in process. 00:24:49.460 --> 00:24:49.740 Aren't we? 00:24:49.740 --> 00:24:51.000 Every single one of us. 00:24:52.420 --> 00:24:54.139 But one day we shall be complete. 00:24:55.740 --> 00:24:57.480 One day all shall be well. 00:24:57.539 --> 00:24:59.099 It isn't all well now. 00:25:02.500 --> 00:25:03.299 That's our hope. 00:25:03.299 --> 00:25:06.379 You might say to me. 00:25:06.379 --> 00:25:06.539 Paul. 00:25:06.599 --> 00:25:07.899 If you really knew me. 00:25:08.779 --> 00:25:12.159 You would know how little progress I've made in the Christian life. 00:25:13.460 --> 00:25:14.419 If you know. 00:25:14.779 --> 00:25:15.559 If you knew Paul. 00:25:15.619 --> 00:25:17.299 Where I am in the Christian life. 00:25:18.460 --> 00:25:19.299 There's no ends. 00:25:19.379 --> 00:25:19.659 Is there. 00:25:19.720 --> 00:25:20.559 To our ifs. 00:25:20.899 --> 00:25:21.859 If you knew. 00:25:22.039 --> 00:25:22.240 If. 00:25:23.079 --> 00:25:23.399 If. 00:25:23.399 --> 00:25:23.460 If. 00:25:23.460 --> 00:25:23.700 If. 00:25:23.700 --> 00:25:23.779 If. 00:25:23.779 --> 00:25:23.940 If. 00:25:23.940 --> 00:25:24.380 If. 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.380 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:26.680 get rid of the ifs 00:25:26.680 --> 00:25:29.320 will you put on the helmet of salvation 00:25:29.320 --> 00:25:31.300 the helmet of hope in your saviour 00:25:31.300 --> 00:25:33.680 you're not perfect 00:25:33.680 --> 00:25:35.140 are you, you have lots of sin 00:25:35.140 --> 00:25:36.700 but there is a solid hope 00:25:36.700 --> 00:25:38.220 a hope that is outside of yourself 00:25:38.220 --> 00:25:41.700 and it's not just wishful thinking 00:25:41.700 --> 00:25:44.500 and so think about salvation 00:25:44.500 --> 00:25:46.740 salvation is pictured as a chain 00:25:46.740 --> 00:25:51.460 it's a chain from eternity past 00:25:51.460 --> 00:25:53.420 to eternity future 00:25:53.420 --> 00:25:55.300 and that chain that God has made 00:25:55.300 --> 00:25:56.360 that chain of salvation 00:25:56.360 --> 00:25:57.940 is unbreakable 00:25:57.940 --> 00:25:58.640 it cannot break 00:25:58.640 --> 00:26:00.060 and it is all bound together 00:26:00.060 --> 00:26:01.720 there is hope in God 00:26:01.720 --> 00:26:04.180 so we think he will not forsake 00:26:04.180 --> 00:26:05.580 the work of his hands 00:26:05.580 --> 00:26:08.900 and understand that God never fails 00:26:08.900 --> 00:26:10.400 so those verses we love 00:26:10.400 --> 00:26:12.220 Romans 28, 8-28 00:26:12.220 --> 00:26:14.620 we know that for those who love God 00:26:14.620 --> 00:26:16.279 all things work together for good 00:26:16.279 --> 00:26:18.620 but for those who are called 00:26:18.620 --> 00:26:19.660 according to his purpose 00:26:19.660 --> 00:26:21.720 and then it tells us about the golden chain 00:26:21.720 --> 00:26:25.100 for those he foreknew 00:26:25.100 --> 00:26:28.019 he also predestined to be conformed 00:26:28.019 --> 00:26:28.960 to the image of his son 00:26:28.960 --> 00:26:32.079 in order that he might be 00:26:32.079 --> 00:26:33.539 that's alright 00:26:33.539 --> 00:26:36.500 Romans 8, 29 00:26:36.500 --> 00:26:39.319 let me read this here 00:26:39.319 --> 00:26:44.700 for those 00:26:44.700 --> 00:26:46.399 and we know that those who love God 00:26:46.399 --> 00:26:48.740 all things work together for good 00:26:48.740 --> 00:26:49.879 for those who are called 00:26:49.879 --> 00:26:51.179 according to his purpose 00:26:51.179 --> 00:26:52.980 for those whom he foreknew 00:26:52.980 --> 00:26:54.139 he also predestined 00:26:54.139 --> 00:26:55.980 to be conformed to the image of his son 00:26:55.980 --> 00:26:57.599 in order that he might be 00:26:57.599 --> 00:26:59.099 the first among many brothers 00:26:59.099 --> 00:27:01.299 and those whom he predestined 00:27:01.299 --> 00:27:02.460 he also called 00:27:02.460 --> 00:27:04.200 and those whom he called 00:27:04.200 --> 00:27:05.139 he also justified 00:27:05.140 --> 00:27:07.060 and those whom he justified 00:27:07.060 --> 00:27:07.520 he also glorified 00:27:07.520 --> 00:27:12.900 so think about this verse for a moment 00:27:12.900 --> 00:27:14.400 whatever God is doing in your life 00:27:14.400 --> 00:27:15.980 whatever might be discouraging you 00:27:15.980 --> 00:27:18.540 God is using that 00:27:18.540 --> 00:27:20.320 to make you more like 00:27:20.320 --> 00:27:21.300 the image of his son 00:27:21.300 --> 00:27:23.860 and so whatever it is tonight 00:27:23.860 --> 00:27:25.560 you think God is using this 00:27:25.560 --> 00:27:27.980 to bring me closer to him 00:27:27.980 --> 00:27:30.520 it's not that God is against you 00:27:30.519 --> 00:27:33.740 and so you have this amazing picture 00:27:33.740 --> 00:27:35.559 in that verse don't you 00:27:35.559 --> 00:27:37.700 of eternity past 00:27:37.700 --> 00:27:38.960 to eternity future 00:27:38.960 --> 00:27:41.980 and so those who be predestined 00:27:41.980 --> 00:27:42.980 in eternity past 00:27:42.980 --> 00:27:44.420 he also called 00:27:44.420 --> 00:27:45.240 in the present 00:27:45.240 --> 00:27:46.940 and those whom he called 00:27:46.940 --> 00:27:47.960 he also justified 00:27:47.960 --> 00:27:48.720 in the present 00:27:48.720 --> 00:27:50.740 and those whom he justified 00:27:50.740 --> 00:27:52.079 and here's the shock 00:27:52.079 --> 00:27:53.119 he also glorified 00:27:53.119 --> 00:27:54.720 so certain 00:27:54.720 --> 00:27:56.000 is that event 00:27:56.000 --> 00:27:56.940 in the future 00:27:56.940 --> 00:27:58.079 glorification 00:27:58.079 --> 00:27:59.339 that Paul makes 00:27:59.339 --> 00:28:00.599 a grammatical mistake 00:28:00.599 --> 00:28:01.059 and says 00:28:01.059 --> 00:28:02.299 you've been glorified 00:28:02.299 --> 00:28:04.279 to show you 00:28:04.279 --> 00:28:05.559 that it's absolutely 00:28:05.559 --> 00:28:06.599 certain 00:28:06.599 --> 00:28:09.259 it's already happened 00:28:09.259 --> 00:28:12.359 and so what I want to show you 00:28:12.359 --> 00:28:12.859 is this 00:28:12.859 --> 00:28:13.639 I'm trying to explain it 00:28:13.639 --> 00:28:14.799 is that this salvation 00:28:14.799 --> 00:28:15.839 it is a chain 00:28:15.839 --> 00:28:17.259 that goes from eternity past 00:28:17.259 --> 00:28:18.519 to eternity present 00:28:18.519 --> 00:28:19.500 and it's unbreakable 00:28:19.500 --> 00:28:21.079 and so don't isolate 00:28:21.079 --> 00:28:21.919 the past 00:28:21.919 --> 00:28:23.199 and the present 00:28:23.199 --> 00:28:23.879 from the future 00:28:23.879 --> 00:28:27.579 God doesn't give 00:28:27.579 --> 00:28:28.879 bits of salvation 00:28:28.879 --> 00:28:29.599 he doesn't give 00:28:29.599 --> 00:28:30.899 isolated blessings 00:28:30.899 --> 00:28:32.079 detached from each other 00:28:32.079 --> 00:28:33.740 you have all 00:28:33.740 --> 00:28:34.500 spiritual blessings 00:28:34.500 --> 00:28:34.960 of Christ 00:28:34.960 --> 00:28:35.639 Ephesians 1 00:28:35.639 --> 00:28:37.699 and once God 00:28:37.699 --> 00:28:38.299 has set his love 00:28:38.299 --> 00:28:38.639 upon you 00:28:38.639 --> 00:28:39.740 he'll never turn it back 00:28:39.740 --> 00:28:40.859 he's loved you 00:28:40.859 --> 00:28:42.179 from eternity past 00:28:42.179 --> 00:28:43.259 to eternity future 00:28:43.259 --> 00:28:45.500 I have loved you 00:28:45.500 --> 00:28:46.579 in an everlasting love 00:28:46.579 --> 00:28:49.099 and so there's love 00:28:49.099 --> 00:28:49.799 in choosing you 00:28:49.799 --> 00:28:50.559 in calling you 00:28:50.559 --> 00:28:51.319 in keeping you 00:28:51.319 --> 00:28:52.439 in glorifying you 00:28:52.439 --> 00:28:54.339 and so what reason 00:28:54.339 --> 00:28:54.720 do we have 00:28:54.720 --> 00:28:55.439 for being discouraged 00:28:55.440 --> 00:28:58.640 you can say with the psalmist 00:28:58.640 --> 00:28:59.660 why are you cast down 00:28:59.660 --> 00:29:00.200 on my soul 00:29:00.200 --> 00:29:01.559 hope in God 00:29:01.559 --> 00:29:02.380 trust the Lord 00:29:02.380 --> 00:29:04.720 Jesus says 00:29:04.720 --> 00:29:06.080 no man shall pluck them 00:29:06.080 --> 00:29:07.600 out of my father's hand 00:29:07.600 --> 00:29:08.420 or my hand 00:29:08.420 --> 00:29:11.160 as if you are a child of God 00:29:11.160 --> 00:29:11.799 you are in the hand 00:29:11.799 --> 00:29:12.420 of the father 00:29:12.420 --> 00:29:13.180 and you are in the hand 00:29:13.180 --> 00:29:13.740 of the son 00:29:13.740 --> 00:29:14.340 and in the hand 00:29:14.340 --> 00:29:15.240 of the Holy Spirit 00:29:15.240 --> 00:29:16.960 safe hands 00:29:16.960 --> 00:29:19.740 and so don't be discouraged 00:29:19.740 --> 00:29:20.799 put on the hope 00:29:20.799 --> 00:29:21.519 of salvation 00:29:21.519 --> 00:29:24.799 what should we say 00:29:24.799 --> 00:29:26.680 if God be for us 00:29:26.680 --> 00:29:29.339 who can be against us 00:29:29.339 --> 00:29:32.859 you reach for the helmet 00:29:32.859 --> 00:29:34.059 you reach for those promises 00:29:34.059 --> 00:29:35.240 you hold on to those promises 00:29:35.240 --> 00:29:35.920 and you cling 00:29:35.920 --> 00:29:36.940 to the hope of salvation 00:29:36.940 --> 00:29:44.579 I'll try and be really quick 00:29:44.579 --> 00:29:45.720 my final point is 00:29:45.720 --> 00:29:47.099 the ground and fruit of hope 00:29:47.099 --> 00:29:49.119 the ground of hope 00:29:49.119 --> 00:29:49.859 is the resurrection 00:29:49.859 --> 00:29:50.619 of Jesus Christ 00:29:50.619 --> 00:29:53.839 at the heart of the Christian hope 00:29:53.839 --> 00:29:54.479 is the resurrection 00:29:54.479 --> 00:29:55.199 of Jesus 00:29:55.199 --> 00:29:56.119 Paul makes that point 00:29:56.119 --> 00:29:57.179 very plainly 00:29:57.179 --> 00:29:58.819 in 1 Corinthians 15 00:29:58.819 --> 00:29:59.179 he says 00:29:59.179 --> 00:30:00.000 if we only have hope 00:30:00.000 --> 00:30:00.819 in life 00:30:00.819 --> 00:30:03.899 if we have hope 00:30:03.899 --> 00:30:04.739 in this life only 00:30:04.739 --> 00:30:05.039 well 00:30:05.039 --> 00:30:05.839 if Christianity 00:30:05.839 --> 00:30:06.799 is just about this life 00:30:06.799 --> 00:30:07.479 we're to be pitied 00:30:07.479 --> 00:30:09.339 but in fact 00:30:09.339 --> 00:30:10.299 Christ has been raised 00:30:10.299 --> 00:30:10.959 from the dead 00:30:10.959 --> 00:30:12.219 the first fruits 00:30:12.219 --> 00:30:12.859 of those 00:30:12.859 --> 00:30:14.099 who have fallen asleep 00:30:14.099 --> 00:30:14.759 in Christ 00:30:14.759 --> 00:30:17.139 so Christ 00:30:17.139 --> 00:30:18.139 is the first 00:30:18.139 --> 00:30:19.339 and we follow on 00:30:19.339 --> 00:30:20.519 and we enter 00:30:20.519 --> 00:30:21.259 into his joy 00:30:21.259 --> 00:30:23.579 each in his own order 00:30:23.579 --> 00:30:24.639 first Christ 00:30:24.639 --> 00:30:25.919 who raised from the dead 00:30:25.919 --> 00:30:26.619 and then we 00:30:26.619 --> 00:30:27.359 who go to glory 00:30:27.359 --> 00:30:30.000 Peter echoes that 00:30:30.000 --> 00:30:31.139 in 1 Peter 1 00:30:31.139 --> 00:30:31.899 3 and 4 00:30:31.899 --> 00:30:32.299 he says 00:30:32.299 --> 00:30:33.179 we are born again 00:30:33.179 --> 00:30:34.039 to a living hope 00:30:34.039 --> 00:30:35.459 in the resurrection 00:30:35.459 --> 00:30:35.939 of Jesus 00:30:35.939 --> 00:30:36.959 Jesus is alive 00:30:36.959 --> 00:30:38.980 and the Lord 00:30:38.980 --> 00:30:39.699 is risen indeed 00:30:39.699 --> 00:30:40.000 isn't he 00:30:40.000 --> 00:30:40.839 that is the Christian hope 00:30:40.839 --> 00:30:41.539 and so we live 00:30:41.539 --> 00:30:42.359 out of the resurrection 00:30:42.359 --> 00:30:44.719 we count 00:30:44.719 --> 00:30:45.799 everything as lost 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:47.599 and that we might know 00:30:47.599 --> 00:30:48.479 him and the power 00:30:48.479 --> 00:30:49.259 of his resurrection 00:30:49.259 --> 00:30:50.599 and so we put on 00:30:50.599 --> 00:30:51.500 the helmet of salvation 00:30:51.500 --> 00:30:54.559 and we go forward 00:30:54.559 --> 00:30:55.079 in the strength 00:30:55.079 --> 00:30:55.979 of the Lord our God 00:30:55.979 --> 00:30:56.819 what is the fruit 00:30:56.819 --> 00:30:57.359 of hope 00:30:57.359 --> 00:31:00.339 when I put on 00:31:00.339 --> 00:31:02.099 the helmet of salvation 00:31:02.099 --> 00:31:02.479 this week 00:31:02.479 --> 00:31:03.479 what should I expect 00:31:03.479 --> 00:31:04.659 to grow in my life 00:31:04.659 --> 00:31:06.259 well it will give you 00:31:06.259 --> 00:31:06.839 a stability 00:31:06.839 --> 00:31:07.899 and a confidence 00:31:07.900 --> 00:31:10.060 and an optimism 00:31:10.060 --> 00:31:14.080 the true Christian 00:31:14.080 --> 00:31:14.720 when he's 00:31:14.720 --> 00:31:15.620 or she is 00:31:15.620 --> 00:31:16.440 in the right place 00:31:16.440 --> 00:31:17.620 living before God 00:31:17.620 --> 00:31:18.100 walking 00:31:18.100 --> 00:31:19.460 in the light of his God 00:31:19.460 --> 00:31:20.340 is not a miserable 00:31:20.340 --> 00:31:21.060 man or woman 00:31:21.060 --> 00:31:23.340 someone full of hope 00:31:23.340 --> 00:31:29.740 gives us unashamed 00:31:29.740 --> 00:31:30.560 patience 00:31:30.560 --> 00:31:31.320 in difficulty 00:31:31.320 --> 00:31:31.900 that's what 00:31:31.900 --> 00:31:32.780 Paul says 00:31:32.780 --> 00:31:33.820 in Romans 3 00:31:33.820 --> 00:31:35.080 Romans 5 00:31:35.080 --> 00:31:37.420 hope that gives 00:31:37.420 --> 00:31:38.000 Christ 00:31:38.000 --> 00:31:39.259 centred hope 00:31:39.259 --> 00:31:43.880 and so if you 00:31:43.880 --> 00:31:44.320 have the helmet 00:31:44.320 --> 00:31:45.039 of hope on 00:31:45.039 --> 00:31:45.620 there is no 00:31:45.620 --> 00:31:46.340 tribulation 00:31:46.340 --> 00:31:47.840 that you can't 00:31:47.840 --> 00:31:48.160 face 00:31:48.160 --> 00:31:51.180 hope in Christ 00:31:51.180 --> 00:31:51.740 and you can face 00:31:51.740 --> 00:31:52.120 death 00:31:52.120 --> 00:31:53.440 hope in Christ 00:31:53.440 --> 00:31:54.300 and you can face 00:31:54.300 --> 00:31:55.180 the heart attack 00:31:55.180 --> 00:31:57.779 hope in Christ 00:31:57.779 --> 00:31:58.279 and you can face 00:31:58.279 --> 00:31:58.720 cancer 00:31:58.720 --> 00:31:59.500 hope in Christ 00:31:59.500 --> 00:32:00.060 and you can face 00:32:00.060 --> 00:32:00.960 the loss of a child 00:32:00.960 --> 00:32:03.100 hope in Christ 00:32:03.100 --> 00:32:03.700 and you can face 00:32:03.700 --> 00:32:04.340 all the difficulties 00:32:04.340 --> 00:32:04.920 of singleness 00:32:04.920 --> 00:32:05.820 and all the difficulties 00:32:05.820 --> 00:32:06.400 of marriage 00:32:06.400 --> 00:32:09.220 there's nothing too great 00:32:09.220 --> 00:32:12.360 I was in a bathroom a couple of weeks ago 00:32:12.360 --> 00:32:13.440 and somebody put on the 00:32:13.440 --> 00:32:15.000 sign there which said 00:32:15.000 --> 00:32:17.460 God will not place too many cares 00:32:17.460 --> 00:32:19.340 on the shoulders of his children 00:32:19.340 --> 00:32:20.100 I like that 00:32:20.100 --> 00:32:23.860 God will not place too many cares 00:32:23.860 --> 00:32:24.980 on the shoulders of his children 00:32:24.980 --> 00:32:27.100 hope rises above them all 00:32:27.100 --> 00:32:31.759 and what God does is incredibly beautiful 00:32:31.759 --> 00:32:34.080 he takes the very things that discourage us 00:32:34.080 --> 00:32:35.740 and he turns them on their head 00:32:35.740 --> 00:32:38.960 and he uses those things to mature us 00:32:38.960 --> 00:32:42.640 we bring those things to him 00:32:42.640 --> 00:32:43.579 and we hope in him 00:32:43.579 --> 00:32:45.559 and in those things and through those things 00:32:45.559 --> 00:32:47.059 like the trials and the difficulties 00:32:47.059 --> 00:32:48.759 we find our hope strengthened 00:32:48.759 --> 00:32:50.279 that's a beautiful thing 00:32:50.279 --> 00:32:55.299 there's this wonderful fruit of perseverance in prayer 00:32:55.299 --> 00:32:59.920 I think God ties 00:32:59.920 --> 00:33:04.079 the effectiveness of our prayer 00:33:04.079 --> 00:33:06.740 with the circumstances of our lives 00:33:06.740 --> 00:33:09.919 most of our prayers are 00:33:09.919 --> 00:33:13.740 are motivated by our circumstances 00:33:13.740 --> 00:33:15.899 let me try and explain that 00:33:15.899 --> 00:33:18.500 so I don't know about you 00:33:18.500 --> 00:33:19.619 but if everything goes your way 00:33:19.619 --> 00:33:21.460 and you never have any troubles or trials 00:33:21.460 --> 00:33:23.079 and God gives you everything you want 00:33:23.079 --> 00:33:23.779 right away 00:33:23.779 --> 00:33:25.919 I wonder what your prayer life would be like 00:33:25.920 --> 00:33:29.000 if you had everything 00:33:29.000 --> 00:33:30.700 that you wanted in the present 00:33:30.700 --> 00:33:32.240 and God held nothing back from you 00:33:32.240 --> 00:33:34.940 I think if you're honest 00:33:34.940 --> 00:33:36.880 you would probably not need the Lord at all 00:33:36.880 --> 00:33:39.180 and you take him for granted 00:33:39.180 --> 00:33:40.480 that's been my experience certainly 00:33:40.480 --> 00:33:43.800 and God gives us this need 00:33:43.800 --> 00:33:45.440 just the amount of affliction 00:33:45.440 --> 00:33:46.580 and sorrow and trial 00:33:46.580 --> 00:33:47.840 we need to keep us 00:33:47.840 --> 00:33:49.120 on praying ground 00:33:49.119 --> 00:33:51.979 to keep us trusting in Christ 00:33:51.979 --> 00:33:55.839 and so put on the helmet of salvation 00:33:55.839 --> 00:33:59.439 trust the Lord Jesus 00:33:59.439 --> 00:34:01.179 and know that in the end 00:34:01.179 --> 00:34:02.000 at the end of the day 00:34:02.000 --> 00:34:03.139 all will be well 00:34:03.139 --> 00:34:06.419 and you shall enter into the joy of your Lord 00:34:06.419 --> 00:34:07.739 without spot and without wrinkle 00:34:07.739 --> 00:34:10.619 hope will not make 00:34:10.619 --> 00:34:13.559 you ashamed 00:34:13.559 --> 00:34:17.500 blessed are those who hope in the Lord 00:34:17.500 --> 00:34:19.079 Amen